Christmas Punch

This Christmas Punch has been my go-to holiday drink for 10+ years! It’s so delicious and perfectly festive, and the whole family loves it! Plus it only takes minutes to make.

I can still remember the first Thanksgiving I made this, I immediately fell in love.

It isn’t very sweet which was perfect for me because I’m not a big fun of extra sweet drinks (if you love sweet though feel free to add in about 1/3 cup sugar with the cranberry juice then mix and dissolve before adding in the soda).

It really just has the most delicious blend of flavors. The combination did seem strange to me at first with ginger ale, cranberries, pineapple juice and almond extract but trust me it just works!

Christmas Punch

My families favorite punch! I've been making this for the holidays for 10+ years. A blend of soda, juices and almond extract - it may seem like a strange combination but together they taste amazing! If you have room in your fridge preferably chill the soda and juices first or keep them in a cold (not freezing) garage, that way you don't need to add much ice and dilute it.

Prep Time:5minutes

Total Time:5minutes

Servings:14

Ingredients

6cupscranberry juice or pomegranate cranberry juice*

3cupspineapple juice

1Tbspalmond extract

3 liters ginger ale

112 oz. bag fresh cranberries(optional)

2fresh limes, sliced (optional)

Ice

Instructions

Pour pomegranate juice, pineapple juice, and almond extract into a large drink dispenser and mix. Pour in ginger ale and give it one quick stir.

Add in cranberries, ice and ginger ale. Serve within a few hours for best results as it will start to go flat.

*This is not 100% cranberry juice, it is 100% juice but it has a blend of other juices in it such as grape, apple, pear. 100% cranberry juice would be much too tart here. Use something like Oceanspray.

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88 comments

Judy P: There is mention in the write up about scaling the recipe down if you don’t want to buy 2 LTRS of soda but no mention in the actual recipe of how much soda and when to add it. November 20, 2017 at 4:39amReply

Jaclyn: It’s the ginger ale listed in the recipe. Sorry for the confusion. November 20, 2017 at 8:54amReply

The Novice: This looks delicious! Do you think I could add some vodka or gin to give it a bit of a kick? :) November 20, 2017 at 5:54amReply

Cheri Reed: Can’t wait to make it! What kind of drink dispenser is in the photo? It is awesome? I bought one similar from Anchor Hocking, but like the base of yours better.where did you buy that? Which do you like better? Pomegranate or Cranberry? November 20, 2017 at 7:28pmReply

Jaclyn: I got my drink dispenser at World Market, I don’t see them online anymore unfortunately but maybe they’d have them in the store.
And I like both kinds of cranberry juice – this was the first time I tried the pomegranate blend and I loved it but either is great! I hope you love it! November 20, 2017 at 7:53pmReply

Cheri Reed: Thanks so much! Can’t wait to try jt for a family Christmas party! Yum! November 21, 2017 at 6:55pmReply

Lmarieko: Could this be made into an alcoholic version? Maybe add vodka? Any other suggestions? November 22, 2017 at 8:46pmReply

Shirley: We tried this for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it! We put orange slices in to bring a little “Autumn” flair, but really wasn’t necessary. It was delicious and festive. I’ll definitely do it again for Christmas.
PS – I was concerned when I saw the recipe asked for Almond Extract. I almost didn’t put it in, but did. I’m not sure what it contributes but I WON’T leave it out because, as I said, everyone was so pleased! November 24, 2017 at 11:19amReply

Susan: I’m not a fan of ginger ale, could this be substituted out for sprite? November 26, 2017 at 3:10pmReply

Jaclyn: I think that would be a good option, I haven’t tested yet but my guess is it would still taste great. November 28, 2017 at 10:01pmReply

Bev: I have been making this for year and I use sprite and I like it better, not a ginger ale fan either. Enjoy December 17, 2017 at 9:40amReply

Susan: UPDATE: I made this for a Christmas party. It was a HUGE SUCESSS. Im not even a punch fan, and Im already trying to figure out when i can make it again! Wonderful recipe! January 1, 2018 at 4:26pmReply

Nabeel: How do you get the froth on top as shown in the picture?
Thanks November 29, 2017 at 8:50pmReply

Jaclyn: It was just the carbonation from being freshly poured, it will dissolve shortly after pouring. Wish it would stay though it’s pretty :). November 30, 2017 at 12:07amReply

Gina: Hi! Any substitutes for almond extract? December 2, 2017 at 6:32pmReply

Jaclyn: There aren’t flavor-wise so the other option is to omit it. Hope you love it! December 5, 2017 at 4:57pmReply

Jane: I made this last night for a special celebration and everyone loved it! I had many (both men and women) ask me for the recipe. It is so simple to make, but makes an impressive presentation. Thanks for the recipe. December 4, 2017 at 11:43amReply

Patty: We used vanilla vodka. I bet the coconut would be great, too! December 9, 2017 at 6:44pmReply

Renise: How much vodka would you use for this recipe? Can’t wait to try it this weekend! December 11, 2017 at 10:35pmReply

Angie: It makes 14 servings approx. 12 oz. each. I would guess 1/2 – 1 shot of vodka or run for each serving, depending on how much bang you want. Maybe try 7 shots in the whole recipe, taste, add more if wanted? December 23, 2017 at 6:14amReply

Karen: Would this be better with vodka or rum? December 9, 2017 at 10:37pmReply

Jaclyn: I’ve had a few people mention they like this with Vodka. Hope you enjoy! December 9, 2017 at 11:40pmReply

Vanessa: This sounds delicious!! I would like to add vodka, how much would you add? December 10, 2017 at 2:51pmReply

Cheri Huckstep Reed: I plan to make your yummy punch for a party. If I have to make a second batch, should I start again from scratch( with new lime and cranberries), or just refill container with new liquids and Almond extract? Also, do you always add ice to drink dispenser with punch, or can you serve punch over ice in cup or glass?
Thank you! I’ll report back after 12/23/17! December 11, 2017 at 10:13amReply

Jaclyn: You can definitely use the same limes and cranberries as they aren’t really for flavor but more for looks :). And I don’t always add the ice right to the dispenser or pitcher – sometimes just the glasses, either way works great. I hope everyone loves it Cheri! December 12, 2017 at 11:16pmReply

Angela: If I followed the 14 servings receive how much vodka would I add? I’m having an ugly sweater party this Saturday using this receipt. December 11, 2017 at 7:26pmReply

Angie: It makes 14 servings approx. 12 oz. each. I would guess 1/2 – 1 shot of vodka or rum for each serving, depending on how much bang you want. Maybe try 7 shots in the whole recipe, taste, add more if wanted? December 23, 2017 at 6:15amReply

Renise: How much vodka would you add to this recipe? Thanks and can’t wait to try it this weekend! December 11, 2017 at 10:36pmReply

Emily: This recipe is so simple and such a crowd pleaser. We did end up adding about 8 individual packs of Splenda to this recipe. It is my new go-to!!! December 12, 2017 at 11:08amReply

Jaclyn: Thanks for the great review Emily! December 12, 2017 at 11:56amReply

Susan: anyone tried this with bourbon? December 13, 2017 at 6:13amReply

Brittany: Definitely want to make this for Christmas this year!! Just to be clear, it’s 3 liters and not 3 2-liters, correct? I’m not a punch-maker so I’m not familiar with drink recipes like this 😊 thank you!! December 13, 2017 at 8:19pmReply

Jaclyn: Yes it’s 3 liters altogether so generally that would be 1 1/2 bottles. December 15, 2017 at 4:11pmReply

Yvonne Shorb: This looks wonderful, and I can’t wait to try it. When you say it serves 14. do you have an idea of how many oz/serving that would be? I suppose I could figure that out mathematically. Haha December 14, 2017 at 9:39amReply

Jaclyn: It’s about 1 1/2 cups per serving. Hope you enjoy! December 15, 2017 at 4:13pmReply

Linda: How do I make for just three people December 15, 2017 at 6:43amReply

Angelia: I look forward to trying the recipe. Can this be frozen to make a slushy punch? December 19, 2017 at 8:57amReply

Jaclyn: Most of the slushy punch recipe I’ve seen do use some form of jello. But I’ve never made slushy punch so my guess really isn’t very helpful, sorry! December 21, 2017 at 10:21pmReply

Cheryl alfano: thank you for posting this wonderful recipe can you tell me what the foam is on top thank you December 19, 2017 at 12:53pmReply

Jaclyn: Yes its from the ginger ale. The photo was taken right after it was poured, before the bubbles dissipated. :) December 21, 2017 at 2:54pmReply

Twins Dish: A good non alcoholic punch idea for any Christmas party December 19, 2017 at 2:05pmReply

Colleen: I am interested in making this for Christmas and was wondering how much alcohol to add and any suggestions on a type of alcohol to add? Thanks! December 23, 2017 at 4:54pmReply

Claire Verdoorn: Is this good served warm? December 23, 2017 at 6:55pmReply

Punita: Excellent for kids and adults – spike it up with vodka. Looked and tasted great. December 24, 2017 at 6:00amReply

Jaclyn: Thanks for leaving a review! Glad you liked it! December 24, 2017 at 2:36pmReply

Cheri Huckstep Reed: Made your fabulous punch last night for party of 50, they sucked down 2 recipes of it! YUM! I followed recipe using Ocean Spray 100 % Cran-Pomegranat juice. Did not add ice, served punch on ice. Added frozen cranberries and sliced limes to drink dispenser. It looked beautiful and tasted even better. Did not add alcohol and you are so right, the Almond extract was the kicker. I must have printed out a dozen of your recipes! It was the best lunch I have ever tasted! So refreshing and could be served year around! So pretty in my big glass dispenser. Perfect! Thanks!
Cheri Huckstep Reed December 24, 2017 at 11:19amReply

Jaclyn: Thanks for the great review Cheri! So glad it was enjoyed! January 2, 2018 at 4:00pmReply

Shannon: Excellent punch for Christmas! Family will love it. The almond flavoring makes all the difference! For an adult Christmas party, add vodka. Big hit at our Christmas party! I followed the directions exactly, no changes needed! December 24, 2017 at 2:55pmReply

Jaclyn: Thanks for the great feedback Shannon! January 2, 2018 at 3:58pmReply

Lana Tomasak: I have to say this is now my all time favorite Christmas Punch… if I could give this a 10 star rating I would!!!!! I did not think it was going to be that good with the almond extract and almost excluded it but sooooo glad I didn’t … I used cranberry pomegranate juice and even added some pomegranate berries along with cranberries and lime slices December 24, 2017 at 9:18pmReply

Jaclyn: Thanks for the great review Lana! January 2, 2018 at 4:25pmReply

Jocelyn: This was delicious! I made a third of a recipe for four people, and it was plenty. Thank you. December 25, 2017 at 7:17amReply

Jaclyn: So glad you liked it! Thanks Jocelyn! January 2, 2018 at 4:12pmReply

Barb: This punch is absolutely delicious! Biggest problem – I just want to keep sucking it down! Made a 1/3 recipe with cran/black cherry. YUMMY! December 25, 2017 at 4:15pmReply

R: Amazing! We saw this recipe and decided to try it for our Christmas gathering, and it was a hit! Definitely on my favorite list! We put it in a punch bowl and it looked beautiful! Thank you so much for recipe.😀 December 26, 2017 at 6:47amReply

bridget: This punch is delicious! If you want something a little more boozy, i used Prosecco instead of gingerale. You could still add a few shots of vodka to the mix. I used one bottle of prosecco in place of one liter of gingerale. December 29, 2017 at 2:43pmReply

Diana Z: Everyone loved this punch at our Christmas party. Very easy to make. I’ll be making it again. December 30, 2017 at 7:39amReply

Jaclyn: Glad to hear you’d make this punch again Diana! Thanks for your review! December 31, 2017 at 11:29pmReply

L.B. Fogt: AMAZING. I used diet ginger ale and added vodka. We (12 adults) went through 3+ batches. Absolutely delicious. And tasted like the punch my grandmother made when I was a child. (Minus the vodka of course). 👍 December 30, 2017 at 5:52pmReply

Rhonda: This punch is delicious! We used cranberry pomegranate juice. It will definitely be an annual tradition for Christmas at our house. January 2, 2018 at 5:15pmReply

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